South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol departed for the United States on Sunday to attend the G20 finance ministers' meeting, according to the Hankyoreh. The departure went ahead as originally scheduled, despite earlier reports that the trip had been canceled.
The reversal came after speculation emerged that Koo was a target for removal in an impending cabinet reshuffle. Reports from the Hankyoreh and Yonhap indicated that Koo initially called off his travel plans in response to the reshuffle rumors. However, he subsequently reversed that decision and proceeded with the journey.
Dong-a Ilbo reported that Koo received a notification of his potential replacement at the airport, just before he was due to depart. According to the report, he initially turned back from the boarding area but then changed his mind and boarded the flight to the US after all.
The G20 meeting is a regular gathering of finance ministers and central bank governors from the world's largest economies. Koo's attendance had been planned in advance, and the trip was only thrown into doubt by the political speculation surrounding his position.
The reports do not clarify whether the reshuffle plans have been finalized or if Koo's position is currently secure. The fact that he ultimately chose to travel suggests he intends to fulfill his official duties despite the uncertainty.
What to watch next is whether the South Korean government formally announces any cabinet changes while Koo is abroad, and how that might affect his role at the G20 meeting.
